The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 1 February 2022.
Main-track train derailment
Canadian National Railway Company
Freight train M30631-25
Mile 8.04, Pelletier Subdivision
Albertine Station, New Brunswick
The occurrence
On , at approximately 2030 Atlantic Standard Time, Canadian National Railway Company freight train M30631-25 was proceeding eastward at 46 mph on the Pelletier Subdivision when a train-initiated emergency brake application occurred. Twenty-two cars were subsequently found derailed near Albertine Station, approximately 8 miles southwest of Edmundston, New Brunswick (Mile 8 of the Pelletier Subdivision). Eight of the derailed cars were carrying dangerous goods. There was no fire, and no dangerous goods were released. No injuries were reported.
Media materials
News releases
2021 derailment near Edmundston, NB, highlights the importance of cross key design and inspection
Read the news release
Investigation information
R21M0002
Main-track train derailment
Canadian National Railway Company
Freight train M30631-25
Mile 8.04, Pelletier Subdivision
Albertine Station, New Brunswick
Investigator-in-charge
Dennis Church joined the Transportation Board of Canada (TSB) in January 2019. He brings with him almost 15 years of experience in the railway industry.
Just before joining the TSB, Mr. Church had occupied the position of certified railway car technician for VIA Rail Canada Inc. at its Ottawa Station since 2016. He started his railway career with Ottawa Central Railway (OCR) as a maintenance-of-way employee in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he started a carman apprenticeship. In 2008, after OCR was amalgamated with the Canadian National Railway Company, Dennis was assigned as the mechanical emergency respondent for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. In this role, he was responsible for responding to emergency calls, incident investigation, dimensional load inspections and rolling stock repairs.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.